Population Growth and Poverty in Machakos District, Kenya

Abstract

This study shows that rural household level income security varied with the sources of household income in Machakos District Kenya. Data were obtained from a longitudinal data set from F. Owako (1965) and a new data set from Murton (1996). The study area included Ndueni village Mbooni location in the less well watered lowlands of Makueni District in the old Machakos District. The early research focused on the ability of agriculture to fulfill the needs of a growing population. New research focuses on temporal processes of change. Zero grazed dairy cows are raised by women for milk sold in nearby lowlands on a daily basis. Population growth in the region pushed people onto hill areas and the lowlands of Makueni. Population growth decreased landholdings in Ndueni and forced adoption of more intensive agricultural practices. Shifts to cash crops such as coffee and the interplanting of fruit trees among food crops (peas and beans) occurred. Grazing land decreased and production of traditional grains such as sorghum and millet was lost. Survey data reveal that only 57% of farmers were able to invest in cash crops. Cash cropping increased farm income but the loss of traditional grains among poor farmers meant loss of income. 34% of village income came from the sale of milk. Households with non-farm income have increased their land supply and intensified farming. Households that depended upon farm income have adjusted poorly to population growth. Richer farmers with cash crops needing wage labor provide a lifeline of support to poor households. Development needs to increase the number of urban Nairobi residents with non-farm income options.